The SKZ Plastics Center is part of the fifth round of the Bavarian funding and transfer program “AI Transfer Plus.” At the official kick-off event in Munich, 16 companies, together with the Bavarian regional AI centers, launched a nine-month program to develop and implement concrete applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The program is being implemented by the Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs under the leadership of Minister of State Dr. Fabian Mehring and supports companies in systematically tapping into AI’s potential and utilizing it in a sustainable manner. In the future, the SKZ intends to apply the insights gained not only for its customers and partners but also, to an increasing extent, for its own processes.

KI-Transfer Plus kick-off meeting in Munich. (Photo: Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs)

Launch of “AI-Transfer Plus” and New Impetus for AI Applications in the Plastics Industry

For the SKZ, participation in “AI-Transfer Plus” is a key component of its strategic development in the field of artificial intelligence. For months now, the Plastics Center has been intensively exploring the opportunities and potential applications of AI. Through the program, participating employees gain access to cutting-edge methods, expert knowledge, and practical tools to systematically identify potential and develop concrete applications. The SKZ is supported in this effort by the Regional AI Center at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS).

Tapping into AI’s Potential for Research, Education, and Industry
Potential areas of application include the intelligent analysis of process, testing, and research data; the optimization of workflows; and the development of new digital services and knowledge offerings. The SKZ has long relied on AI within its long-standing Digitalization Research Group to improve plastics processing and monitor quality.

“Now we’re taking it a step further: for us as a service provider and pioneer, AI is also a decisive competitive factor in our global market for optimizing our own internal processes. We see great potential across all areas of our organization: education, research, testing, and certification. For the SKZ, it is therefore important not only to understand the technology but also to actively harness its potential for ourselves and our employees. In the 9-month intensive course ‘AI Transfer Plus,’ we can position ourselves to be AI-ready so that we can subsequently use AI in a sustainable and highly targeted manner,” says Dr. Thomas Hochrein, Managing Director at SKZ.

Employees are actively shaping the AI transformation
A key success factor for the AI initiative at SKZ is its own employees. Already today, AI advocates and AI technicians are actively involved in workshops, training sessions, and simulation exercises aimed at the successful implementation of AI applications. A new AI manager and coordinator will coordinate AI activities within SKZ going forward, advise employees and management, and provide support during implementation. The “AI-Transfer Plus” program lays the foundation for this and supports the development of a long-term AI strategy at SKZ.

Knowledge Transfer for the Plastics Industry
The insights gained through the program are not intended for internal use alone. The goal is to incorporate this accumulated knowledge into SKZ’s future research projects, continuing education programs, and services. In this way, the SKZ strengthens its role as an innovation partner for the industry and helps companies successfully leverage the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.
About AI-Transfer Plus

“AI-Transfer Plus” is a program of the Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs under the leadership of State Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring in collaboration with Bayern Innovativ. Over the course of nine months, small and medium-sized enterprises receive support from regional AI centers at universities throughout Bavaria to develop AI applications and integrate them sustainably into their day-to-day operations. Among the 16 participants in the current program cycle are, in addition to the SKZ, the Lower Franconian companies Authentic Style and Climaline.